Layoffs, other workforce reductions announced at Baystate Health

The area's largest healthcare system has announced a reduction in its workforce.

Baystate spokesperson Ben Craft said that Thursday, 24 employees received notices that their employment would end in 30 days, while another 17 employees would have their hours reduced.

Also effective immediately, another 45 positions that are currently open at Baystate Health are being eliminated.

All of the affected positions are based in Springfield, mostly at Baystate Medical Center. Craft explained that management positions are included in the cuts, but no bedside nurses or physicians are losing their jobs.

Craft added that the moves are being made, in part, because Baystate Health is facing a $22 million budget shortfall, which is the difference between the system's budget for the year and the current projections of their yearly financial results.

"We take any decision to end any person's employment very seriously, and we regret the necessity of it. We will do everything possible to help those affected find new opportunities, either within or outside Baystate Health," said Nancy Shendell-Falik, COO of Baystate Medical Center.

Baystate noted that employees impacted by the cuts will receive severance pay and an extension of benefits, based on their years of service, as well as job placement assistance.

Shendell-Falik added, "Like many healthcare providers, we are facing a need to adjust our human, material and financial resources to adapt to the rapidly changing healthcare environment. Difficult decisions such as these make it possible for us to continue to invest in the services we're able to provide our patients, whether it's a new program, a new or renovated facility, surgical supplies or a CT scanner.”

Baystate Health said that they are undertaking a "multifaceted effort" to cut and reduce costs, as well as bring the entire system to "its budgeted operating margin." Some of that work includes changes in their supply chain, process improvements, energy efficiency projects and other areas.